Verse 1

LORD, behold us with thy blessing Once again assembled here: Onward be our footsteps pressing In thy love and faith and fear; Still protect us By thy presence ever near.

Verse 2

For thy mercy we adore thee, For this rest upon our way; Lord, again we bow before thee, Speed our labours day by day; Mind and spirit With thy choicest gifts array.

Verse 3

Keep the spell of home affection Still alive in every heart; May its power, with mild direction, Draw our love from self apart, Till thy children Feel that thou their Father art.

Verse 4

Lord, dismiss us with Thy blessing Thanks for mercies past receive; Pardon all, their faults confessing; Time that’s lost may all retrieve; May Thy children Ne’er again Thy Spirit grieve.

Verse 5

By Thy kindly influence cherish All the good we here have gained; May all taint of evil perish, By Thy mightier power restrained; Seek we ever Knowledge pure and love un-feigned.

Verse 6

Let Thy father-hand be shielding All who here shall meet no more; May their seed-time past be yielding Year by year a richer store; Those returning, Make more faithful than before.

Background: Lord Behold Us With Thy Blessing Once